CPR may not be as effective as commonly believed, especially in individuals with chronic health conditions or the elderly. It works best when administered quickly to a healthy individual.
Ventilators are machines that assist with breathing by pushing air into the lungs through a tube inserted into the trachea. Long-term use may require a tracheotomy, a more comfortable alternative to intubation.
If you cannot eat or drink, nutrition and hydration can be provided through a feeding tube or IV. While beneficial in recovery, artificial nutrition at the end of life may not prolong life and could be harmful.